Inspection device, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing inspection program

ABSTRACT

An inspection device includes a processor configured to display at least one of plural pieces of read image data on a display unit in a state where a defective portion is recognizable, and set reception of a correction instruction of the defective portion to be enabled, the plural pieces of read image data being obtained by reading image-formed matters obtained by forming original image data on plural recording media, and correct read image data that does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, and then register the corrected read image data as reference image data used for inspecting the image-formed matter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2020-157923 filed Sep. 18, 2020.

BACKGROUND (i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to an inspection device, an image formingapparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing aninspection program.

(ii) Related Art

For example, JP6323190B discloses an image forming apparatus having afunction of inspecting an image. The image forming apparatus includes animage reading unit and a feature amount calculation unit. The imagereading unit reads each of images formed on a plurality of pieces ofpaper. The feature amount calculation unit sets any of a plurality ofimages read by the image reading unit, as a reference image, and setsthe others as inspection target images. The feature amount calculationunit detects one or each of a plurality of feature points in thereference image and the inspection target images and calculates thefeature amount of each feature point. The image forming apparatusfurther includes a determination unit that determines the quality of theinspection target image by collating the feature amount of each featurepoint in the reference image, which are detected by the feature amountcalculation unit, with the feature amount of each feature point in theinspection target image, which are detected by the feature amountcalculation unit. The determination unit searches each feature point inthe reference image and the inspection target image, which is used forcollating the feature amount, for each search area centered on eachpixel of the inspection target image. Then, the determination unitdetermines the size of the search area in accordance with the size ofone object or a plurality of objects in the reference image.

SUMMARY

In a case where an inspection is performed by using, as reference imagedata, any of a plurality of pieces of read image data obtained byreading a plurality of image-formed matters, it is required that theplurality of pieces of read image data (or plurality of image-formedmatters) are visually checked in selecting the reference image data.

At this time, in a case where the read image data having dirt or thelike is selected as the reference image data, the read image datawithout dirt or the like may be determined as failure in the subsequentinspection.

Therefore, it is required to carefully visually check the pieces ofimage data in order to select appropriate reference image data, and thisis troublesome. That is, with such a visual check, it is difficult toefficiently select the appropriate reference image data.

Here, it is assumed that only the read image data satisfying apredetermined criterion is selected as the reference image data amongthe plurality of pieces of read image data, instead of the visualinspection. In this case, the read image data that does not satisfy thepredetermined criterion is not selected regardless of the degree ofdefective portions. That is, in a case where there are some defectiveportions, it is not possible to adopt even read image data enabled to beadopted as the reference image data, as the reference image data.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate toan inspection device, an image forming apparatus, and a non-transitorycomputer readable medium storing an inspection program capable ofefficiently selecting even read image data that does not satisfy apredetermined criterion, as reference image data, in comparison to acase where only read image data satisfying the predetermined criterionis selected as the reference image data.

Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosureovercome the above disadvantages and/or other disadvantages notdescribed above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments arenot required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and aspectsof the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may notovercome any of the disadvantages described above.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided aninspection device including a processor configured to display at leastone of a plurality of pieces of read image data on a display unit in astate where a defective portion is recognizable, and set reception of acorrection instruction of the defective portion to be enabled, theplurality of pieces of read image data being obtained by readingimage-formed matters obtained by forming original image data on aplurality of recording media, and correct read image data that does notsatisfy a predetermined criterion, and then register the corrected readimage data as reference image data used for inspecting the image-formedmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electricalconfiguration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2A is a top view illustrating an example of an image readingstructure using an in-line sensor according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating the example of the image readingstructure using the in-line sensor according to the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first inspection and a secondinspection according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functionalconfiguration of an image forming apparatus according to the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an example of an edit screenaccording to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example of a correctioninstruction dialog according to the exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow by aninspection program according to the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the technique of thepresent disclosure will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electricalconfiguration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, according to the exemplary embodiment, theimage forming apparatus 10 includes an inspection device 30, a displayunit 16, an operation unit 17, a document reading unit 18, an imageforming unit 19, an in-line sensor 20, and a communication unit 21. Theimage forming unit 19 is an example of a forming unit. The in-linesensor 20 is an example of a reading unit.

The inspection device 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, aread only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, aninput/output interface (I/O) 14, and a storage unit 15. In the exemplaryembodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 and the inspection device 30are integrally provided, but the present disclosure is not limited tothis. The image forming apparatus 10 and the inspection device 30 may beprovided separately.

The units of the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the I/O 14 areconnected to each other via a bus. Functional units including thestorage unit 15, the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, thedocument reading unit 18, the image forming unit 19, the in-line sensor20, and the communication unit 21 are connected to the I/O 14. Each ofthe functional units may communicate with the CPU 11 via the I/O 14.

A control unit is configured by the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, andthe I/O 14. The control unit may be configured as a sub-control unitthat controls an operation of a portion of the image forming apparatus10, or may be configured as a portion of a main control unit thatcontrols the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Forexample, an integrated circuit such as a large scale integration (LSI)or an integrated circuit (IC) chipset is used for some or all of blocksof the control unit. An individual circuit may be used for each of theabove blocks, or a circuit in which some or all of the blocks areintegrated may be used. The above blocks may be provided integrally, orsome blocks may be provided separately. A portion of each of the aboveblocks may be provided separately. The integration of the control unitis not limited to the LSI, and a dedicated circuit or a general-purposeprocessor may be used.

As the storage unit 15, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solidstate drive (SSD), or a flash memory is used. The storage unit 15 storesan inspection program 15A for executing inspection processing accordingto the exemplary embodiment. The inspection program 15A may be stored inthe ROM 12.

The inspection program 15A may be installed in advance in the imageforming apparatus 10, for example. The inspection program 15A may berealized in a manner that the inspection program is stored in anon-volatile storage medium or distributed via a network, and isappropriately installed in the image forming apparatus 10. Examples ofthe non-volatile storage medium include a compact disc read only memory(CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk, an HDD, a digital versatile disc readonly memory (DVD-ROM), a flash memory, and a memory card.

For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organicelectro-luminescence (EL) display is used for the display unit 16. Thedisplay unit 16 may integrally include a touch panel. Various operationkeys such as a numeric keypad and a start key are provided in theoperation unit 17. The display unit 16 and the operation unit 17 receivevarious instructions from a user of the image forming apparatus 10. Thevarious instructions include, for example, an instruction to startreading a document, and an instruction to start copying the document.The display unit 16 displays various types of information such as theresult of processing executed in accordance with the instructionreceived from the user and the notification in response to theprocessing.

The document reading unit 18 takes documents placed on a paper feed trayof an automatic document feeder (not illustrated) provided on the upperportion of the image forming apparatus 10 one by one, and opticallyreads the taken document to obtain image information. Alternatively, thedocument reading unit 18 optically reads a document placed on a documentstand such as platen glass to obtain image information.

The image forming unit 19 forms, on a recording medium such as paper, animage based on image information obtained by reading of the documentreading unit 18 or image information obtained from an external personalcomputer (PC) connected via the network. In the exemplary embodiment, anelectrophotographic method will be described as an example of a methodof forming an image, but another method such as an inkjet method may beadopted.

In a case where the method of forming an image is an electrophotographicmethod, the image forming unit 19 includes a photoconductor drum, acharging unit, an exposing unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, anda fixing unit. The charging unit applies a voltage to the photoconductordrum to charge the surface of the photoconductor drum. The exposing unitexposes the photoconductor drum charged by the charging unit with lightcorresponding to image information, so as to form an electrostaticlatent image on the photoconductor drum. The developing unit developsthe electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum with atoner to form a toner image on the photoconductor drum. The transferunit transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum to arecording medium. The fixing unit fixes the toner image transferred tothe recording medium by heating and pressurizing.

The in-line sensor 20 reads an image formed on a recording medium by theimage forming unit 19.

The communication unit 21 is connected to a network such as theInternet, a local area network (LAN), and a wide area network (WAN), andcan communicate with an external PC or the like via the network.

Next, an image reading structure using the in-line sensor 20 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 2A is a top view illustrating an example of the image readingstructure using the in-line sensor 20 according to the exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating the example of the imagereading structure using the in-line sensor 20 according to the exemplaryembodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the in-line sensor 20 reads an imageformed on a recording medium P such as paper. The in-line sensor isprovided, for example, over a transport belt Cb for transporting therecording medium P between the above-described fixing unit and an exittray (not illustrated). For example, sensors such as a charge coupleddevice (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) areused for the in-line sensor 20. In the in-line sensor 20, in a casewhere light is emitted from a light source, reflected light from therecording medium P is imaged on a light receiving unit through a lightreceiving lens, and is converted into an electrical signal in accordancewith the amount of the reflected light by the light receiving unit.Thus, measurement data is output. The in-line sensor 20 sequentiallyacquires the measurement data for each line of the recording medium P bymoving the recording medium P in a transport direction. At a time pointat which the entirety of the recording medium P passes, the in-linesensor 20 acquires read image data corresponding to one surface of therecording medium P. The acquired read image data is stored in thestorage unit 15.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10has a function of performing a first inspection and a second inspectionof inspecting an image-formed matter. Reference image data for the firstinspection is an example of first reference image data. Reference imagedata for the second inspection is an example of second reference imagedata.

The first inspection is an inspection in which original image data isused as the first reference image data, and the read image data obtainedby reading the image-formed matter obtained by forming the originalimage data on a recording medium is set as an inspection target. In thefirst inspection, the first reference image data being the originalimage data is collated with the read image data as the inspectiontarget, and the quality of the read image data as the inspection targetis determined. A plurality of pieces of read image data may be set asthe inspection target. The original image data is image data that is thebasis of an image to be image-formed (printed). For example, data(rasterized data) after raster image processor (RIP) processing, bitmapdata, and graphics interchange format (GIF) data are applied.

In the second inspection, any of a plurality of pieces of read imagedata obtained by reading image-formed matters obtained by forming theoriginal image data on a plurality of recording media is used as thesecond reference image data, and read image data obtained by reading anew image-formed matter is set as the inspection target. In the secondinspection, the second reference image data being the read image data iscollated with the read image data as the inspection target, and thequality of the read image data as the inspection target is determined.Similar to the first inspection, a plurality of pieces of read imagedata may be set as the inspection target.

In the second inspection, for example, pieces of read image dataobtained by reading an image-formed matter obtained by forming originalimage data on some recording media are displayed as candidates for thesecond reference image data. The read image data selected from thepieces of read image data by the user is used as the second referenceimage data, and read image data of an image-formed matter newly obtainedafter that is set as the inspection target.

Next, the first inspection and the second inspection according to theexemplary embodiment will be specifically described with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the first inspection and the secondinspection according to the exemplary embodiment.

Firstly, the first inspection using original image data as the firstreference image data will be described.

In (S1) of FIG. 3, a RIP unit 11A receives an input of image data D1described in the page description language (PDL) as an example. Examplesof the PDL include PRINTER CONTROL LANGUAGE (PCL, registered trademark)and POST SCRIPT (PS, registered trademark). The RIP unit 11A executesRIP processing, and a specific description will be made later.

In (S2), the RIP unit 11A executes the RIP processing on the image dataD1 of which the input is received, and outputs original image data D2.In the first inspection, the original image data D2 is used as the firstreference image data.

In (S3), the image forming unit 19 receives the input of the originalimage data D2.

In (S4), the image forming unit 19 forms the original image data D2 ofwhich the input is received, for example, on a plurality of recordingmedia, and outputs a plurality of image-formed matters P3 a to P3 c.

In (S5), as an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B describedabove, the in-line sensor 20 reads each of the plurality of image-formedmatters P3 a to P3 c transported on the transport belt Cb.

In (S6), the in-line sensor 20 outputs a plurality of pieces of readimage data D4 a to D4 c obtained by reading the plurality ofimage-formed matters P3 a to P3 c, respectively. In the firstinspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data D4 a to D4 c areset as the inspection target.

In the first inspection, the first reference image data being theoriginal image data D2 is collated with each of the plurality of piecesof read image data D4 a to D4 c as the inspection target, and thequality of each of the plurality of pieces of read image data D4 a to D4c is determined.

Next, the second inspection using, as the second reference image data,any of a plurality of pieces of read image data obtained by reading aplurality of image-formed matters will be described.

In FIG. 3, the processes of (S1) to (S6) are similar. However, in thesecond inspection, any of a plurality of pieces of read image data D4 ato D4 c is used as the second reference image data, and new read imagedata output after the read image data D4 c is set as the inspectiontarget. In the second inspection, the second reference image data beingany of the plurality of pieces of read image data D4 a to D4 c iscollated with each of pieces of new read image data as the inspectiontarget, and the quality of each of the pieces of new read image data isdetermined.

Here, in the second inspection, since the read image data is used as thereference image data, it is considered that the states (for example,size and line thickness) of the images to be collated are substantiallyidentical to the states in the first inspection. Therefore, it is easierto perform the second inspection than to perform the first inspection.On the other hand, in the second inspection, as described above, it isrequired to visually check a plurality of pieces of read image data (orplurality of image-formed matters) in selecting the reference imagedata. With such visual check, it is difficult to efficiently select theappropriate reference image data.

In a case where only the read image data satisfying a predeterminedcriterion is selected as the reference image data from the plurality ofpieces of read image data instead of visual inspection, the read imagedata that does not satisfy the predetermined criterion is not selectedas the reference image data regardless of the degree of defectiveportions. Therefore, it may be difficult to efficiently select thereference image data.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the exemplaryembodiment, in a case where the second inspection is performed, the readimage data that does not satisfy the predetermined criterion isdisplayed on the display unit so that a defective portion is recognized,and the read image data that does not satisfy the predeterminedcriterion is set as a candidate for the reference image data. After thedefective portion is corrected, the corrected read image data isregistered as the reference image data. That is, in a case where thereference image data for the second inspection is selected, it ispossible to select even the read image data that does not satisfy thepredetermined criterion, as the candidate for the reference image data.Thus, the reference image data is efficiently selected in comparison toa case where only the read image data satisfying the predeterminedcriterion is selected as the reference image data.

Specifically, the CPU 11 in the image forming apparatus 10 according tothe exemplary embodiment writes the inspection program 15A stored in thestorage unit 15 into the RAM 13, and executes the inspection program tofunction as the units illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functionalconfiguration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to theexemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 in the image forming apparatus 10according to the exemplary embodiment functions as the RIP unit 11A, animage-forming control unit 11B, an image-reading control unit 11C, afirst inspection unit 11D, a reference image registration unit 11E, anda second inspection unit 11F.

As an example, the RIP unit 11A interprets the input image datadescribed in the PDL to generate intermediate data, performs colorconversion on the generated intermediate data, and performs rendering togenerate original image data. As described above, the original imagedata may be, for example, rasterized data, bitmap data, or GIF data. Theoriginal image data generated by the RIP unit 11A is registered as thefirst reference image data in the storage unit 15. In theabove-described example in FIG. 3, the first reference image datacorresponds to the original image data D2.

The image-forming control unit 11B controls the operation of the imageforming unit 19. The image forming unit 19 forms the first referenceimage data registered in the storage unit 15, on a plurality ofrecording media based on a control signal from the image-forming controlunit 11B, and outputs a plurality of image-formed matters.

The image-reading control unit 11C controls the operation of the in-linesensor 20. The in-line sensor 20 reads each of the plurality ofimage-formed matters output from the image forming unit 19 based on acontrol signal from the image-reading control unit 11C, and outputs aplurality of pieces of read image data. The plurality of pieces of readimage data output from the in-line sensor 20 are registered in thestorage unit 15. In the above-described example in FIG. 3, the pluralityof pieces of read image data correspond to the plurality of pieces ofread image data D4 a to D4 c.

The first inspection unit 11D performs the first inspection of collatingthe first reference image data registered in the storage unit 15 with atleast one of the plurality of pieces of read image data registered inthe storage unit, and selects the read image data that does not satisfythe predetermined criterion. Whether or not the read image data collatedwith the first reference image data satisfies the predeterminedcriterion can be determined by determination of a threshold value ofeach pixel. For example, in a case where the number of pixels in which adifference between pixel values of the corresponding pixels in the twopieces of data is equal to or more than a threshold value is equal to ormore than a predetermined proportion, it is determined that the readimage data does not satisfy the criterion. Here, the threshold value andthe predetermined proportion are set as appropriate values by the userso as to satisfy a predetermined quality criterion.

The reference image registration unit 11E displays the read image dataselected by the first inspection unit 11D on the display unit 16 whilethe defective portion is recognizable. In addition, the reference imageregistration unit sets reception of a correction instruction of thedefective portion to be enabled, and corrects the read image data thatdoes not satisfy the predetermined criterion (specifically, see FIGS. 5and 6 described later), and then registers the corrected read image datain the storage unit 15 as the second reference image data for the secondinspection. In a case where the reference image registration unit 11Ereceives the correction instruction of the defective portion from auser, the reference image registration unit corrects a pixel in thedefective portion in accordance with the received correctioninstruction.

In a case where the second inspection is performed, the secondinspection unit 11F collates the second reference image data registeredby the reference image registration unit 11E with the read image data ofthe image-formed matter set as the inspection target in the secondinspection. Then, the second inspection unit determines the quality ofthe collated read image data. In the second inspection, for example, newread image data output after the plurality of pieces of read image dataoutput in the first inspection is set as the inspection target. In theabove-described example of FIG. 3, the new read image data output afterthe read image data D4 c is set as the inspection target. The read imagedata on which the first inspection has been performed among theplurality of pieces of read image data output in the first inspectionmay be excluded from the inspection target, and the remaining read imagedata may be set as the inspection target. All of the plurality of piecesof read image data output in the first inspection may be set as theinspection target. That is, the first inspection and the secondinspection may be performed together on at least some of the pluralityof pieces of read image data output in the first inspection.Alternatively, the second inspection may not be performed on some of theplurality of pieces of read image data, on which the first inspectionhas been performed.

In the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data arecollated with the first reference image data in order from the leadingread image data. The first inspection is repeated until a user acceptsthe defective portion. At this time, in a case where the number ofrepetitions of the first inspection is equal to or more than apredetermined value, the first inspection unit 11D may issue a warningbecause there is a possibility that a problem or the like has occurredin the image forming unit 19. As the warning, for example, a warningmessage may be displayed as a text string, a warning message may beoutput by voice, or a warning sound such as a beep sound may be output.

In a case where a predetermined condition is detected during the secondinspection, the second inspection unit 11F may perform the firstinspection on at least one piece of read image data on which the secondinspection has not been performed, and thus update the second referenceimage data. The predetermined condition is any of a condition in whichthe number of times of performing the second inspection is equal to ormore than a predetermined value, a condition in which a toner cartridgeis replaced, a condition in which a recording medium is clogged, and acondition in which a recording medium is replaced or added.

For example, in a case where a large amount of image-formed matters areoutput, the density in the image forming unit 19 may fluctuate, or theposition of a recording medium may fluctuate. Therefore, the printingquality differs between the first page and the final page, and theinspection accuracy varies. Thus, in a case where the second inspectionis performed a predetermined number of times or more, that is, in a casewhere a predetermined number or more of image-formed matters set as theinspection target for the second inspection are output, for example, itis required to perform the first inspection and update the secondreference image data. Similarly, a case where a toner cartridge isreplaced, a case where a recording medium is clogged, and a case where arecording medium is replaced or added also have an influence on theinspection accuracy. Therefore, for example, it is required to performthe first inspection and update the second reference image data.

In a case where, in the first inspection, the read image data satisfyingthe predetermined criterion is detected before the read image data thatdoes not satisfy the predetermined criterion is detected, the firstinspection unit 11D selects the read image data. In this case, thereference image registration unit 11E registers the read image dataselected by the first inspection unit 11D in the storage unit 15 as thesecond reference image data of the second inspection.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an example of an edit screen 40according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front viewillustrating an example of a correction instruction dialog 43 accordingto the exemplary embodiment.

The edit screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a screen displayed by thereference image registration unit 11E described above. On the editscreen 40, the read image data that does not satisfy the predeterminedcriterion is displayed, and an acceptance selection field 41 and acorrection button are displayed. At this time, the read image data isdisplayed while the defective portion is recognizable. The user looks atthe defective portion of the read image data displayed on the editscreen 40 and determines whether or not to accept the defective portion.In a case where it is determined that the defective portion is accepted,and “Yes” in the acceptance selection field 41 is selected by the user,the correction button 42 turns into an operable state. The black circlein the acceptance selection field 41 indicates that “Yes” is selected.In a case where it is determined that the defective portion is notaccepted, and “No” in the acceptance selection field 41 is selected bythe user, the correction button 42 turns into an inoperable state (forexample, grayed-out display or the like).

In a case where the defective portion is accepted by the user, and thecorrection button 42 is operated, the correction instruction dialog 43illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed on the edit screen 40 illustrated inFIG. 5. In the correction instruction dialog 43, as a correction method,for example, “Removal”, “Replacement 1”, “Replacement 2”, and the likeare displayed to be selectable. “Removal” means removal of a defectiveportion. “Replacement 1” means replacement of the pixel value of thepixel in the defective portion with a pixel value of a pixel locatednear the defective portion. “Replacement 2” means replacement of thepixel value of the pixel in the defective portion with a pixel value ofthe corresponding pixel in the first reference image data (originalimage data) for the first inspection. A known method is applied to thecorrection method of the defective portion. In a case where the userselects any of the correction methods and then operates the “OK” button,the screen returns to the edit screen 40 in FIG. 5.

On the edit screen 40 of FIG. 5, a correction instruction is issued bythe operation of the “OK” button by the user, and the read image datathat does not satisfy the predetermined criterion is corrected. Thecorrected read image data is registered in the storage unit 15 as thesecond reference image data for the second inspection.

Next, the action of the image forming apparatus 10 according to theexemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow by aninspection program 15A according to the exemplary embodiment.

Firstly, in a case where the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed toperform the inspection, the inspection program 15A is started to performeach of the following steps.

In Step S101 in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 acquires input image data from adocument reading unit 18 or an external PC.

In Step S102, the CPU 11 performs RIP processing on the input image dataacquired in Step S101 to generate original image data. The generatedoriginal image data is registered in the storage unit 15. As describedabove, for example, data (rasterized data) after the RIP processing,bitmap data, and GIF data are applied as the original image data.

In Step S103, the CPU 11 transmits a control signal to the image formingunit 19, and controls the operation of the image forming unit 19 to formthe original image data registered in Step S102 on a plurality ofrecording media and output a plurality of image-formed matters.

In Step S104, the CPU 11 transmits a control signal to the in-linesensor 20, and controls the operation of the in-line sensor 20 to readthe plurality of image-formed matters output in Step S103, and output aplurality of pieces of read image data.

In Step S105, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the second referenceimage data for the second inspection has been registered in the storageunit 15. In a case where it is determined that the second referenceimage data for the second inspection has been registered (in the case ofaffirmative determination), the process proceeds to Step S111. In a casewhere it is determined that the second reference image data for thesecond inspection has not been registered, that is, the second referenceimage data is in a not-registered state (in the case of negativedetermination), the process proceeds to Step S106.

In Step S106, the CPU 11 performs the first inspection using theoriginal image data registered in Step S102 as the first reference imagedata. In the first inspection, as described above, as an example, theplurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the firstreference image data in order from the leading read image data.

In Step S107, as a first inspection, the CPU 11 determines whether ornot the leading page of the plurality of pieces of read image datasatisfies a predetermined criterion. Ina case where it is determinedthat the leading page satisfies the predetermined criterion (in the caseof affirmative determination), the process proceeds to Step S108. In acase where it is determined that the first page does not satisfy thepredetermined criterion (in the case of negative determination), theprocess proceeds to Step S112.

In Step S108, the CPU 11 registers the leading page satisfying thepredetermined criterion in the storage unit 15 as the second referenceimage data for the second inspection.

In Step S109, the CPU 11 registers the passing of the first inspectionin association with the leading page satisfying the predeterminedcriterion.

In Step S110, the CPU 11 transitions to the next page of the pluralityof pieces of read image data, and designates the next page as theinspection target of the second inspection.

In Step S111, the CPU 11 performs the second inspection on the next pagedesignated as the inspection target of the second inspection in StepS110 by using the leading page as the second reference image data. Then,the CPU displays an inspection result and ends a series of processes bythe inspection program 15A.

In Step S112, the CPU 11 registers the failure of the first inspectionin association with the leading page that does not satisfy thepredetermined criterion.

In Step S113, as an example, the CPU 11 performs control to display theabove-described edit screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 on the display unit16.

In Step S114, as an example, the CPU 11 determines whether or not adefective portion of the read image data is accepted, in accordance withthe operation of the user on the above-described edit screen 40illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, in a case where “Yes” is selected inthe acceptance selection field 41 on the edit screen 40, it isdetermined that the defective portion is accepted. In a case where “No”is selected, it is determined that the defective portion is notaccepted. In a case where it is determined that the defective portion ofthe read image data is accepted (in the case of affirmativedetermination), the process proceeds to Step S115. In a case where it isdetermined that the defective portion of the read image data is notaccepted (in the case of negative determination), the process proceedsto Step S116.

In Step S115, as an example, the CPU 11 receives a correctioninstruction from the user through the above-described edit screen 40illustrated in FIG. 5 and the above-described correction instructiondialog 43 illustrated in FIG. 6. The CPU corrects the defective portionof the read image data in accordance with the received correctioninstruction, and then the process proceeds to Step S108. Thus, thecorrected read image data is registered as the second reference imagedata for the second inspection.

In Step S116, the CPU 11 transitions to the next page of the pluralityof pieces of read image data, and designates the next page as theinspection target of the first inspection. The CPU causes the process toreturn to Step S106, and then repeats the processes.

As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, in a casewhere the second inspection is performed, the original image data iscollated with at least one of the plurality of pieces of read imagedata. The read image data that does not satisfy the predeterminedcriterion is displayed so that the defective portion is recognized, andthe corrected read image data is registered as the reference image dataafter the defective portion is corrected in accordance with theoperation of the user. That is, in a case where the reference image datafor the second inspection is selected by the first inspection, it ispossible to set even the read image data that does not satisfy thepredetermined criterion, as the candidate for the reference image data.Therefore, the reference image data is efficiently selected incomparison to a case where only the read image data satisfying thepredetermined criterion is selected as the reference image data.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the case where the first inspectionis premised in extraction of the candidate for the reference image datafor the second inspection has been described. However, the exemplaryembodiment is not limited to this. As an exemplary embodiment, a form inwhich the first inspection is not performed in extraction of the readimage data that does not satisfy the predetermined criterion may bemade. In this case, for example, a plurality of pieces of read imagedata may be displayed on the display unit. The read image data havingfew defective portions may be, for example, visually selected from thedisplayed plurality of pieces of read image data. Data obtained bycorrecting the defective portion of the selected read image data may beused as the reference image data for the second inspection.

In the embodiments above, the term “processor” refers to hardware inabroad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors(e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g.,GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific IntegratedCircuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logicdevice).

In the embodiments above, the term “processor” is broad enough toencompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which arelocated physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. Theorder of operations of the processor is not limited to one described inthe embodiments above, and may be changed.

Hitherto, the examples of the inspection device and the image formingapparatus according to the exemplary embodiment are described above. Theexemplary embodiment may have a form of a program for causing a computerto perform the functions of the units in the inspection device. Theexemplary embodiment may have a form of a non-transitory computerreadable storing medium that stores the programs.

In addition, the configuration of the inspection device described in theabove exemplary embodiment is just an example, and may be changeddepending on the situation in a range without departing from the gist.

The processing flow of the program described in the above exemplaryembodiment is also just an example. In a range without departing fromthe gist, unnecessary steps may be deleted, a new step may be added, orthe processing order may be changed.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the case where the program isexecuted, and thereby the processing according to the exemplaryembodiments is realized by the software configuration using the computeris described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Theexemplary embodiment may be realized, for example, by a hardwareconfiguration or a combination of a hardware configuration and asoftware configuration.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inspection device comprising: a processor configured to: display at least one of a plurality of pieces of read image data on a display unit in a state where a defective portion is recognizable, and set reception of a correction instruction of the defective portion to be enabled, the plurality of pieces of read image data being obtained by reading image-formed matters obtained by forming original image data on a plurality of recording media; and correct read image data that does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, and then register the corrected read image data as reference image data used for inspecting the image-formed matter.
 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: perform a first inspection of using the original image data as first reference image data and collating the first reference image data with at least one of the plurality of pieces of read image data obtained from the first reference image data; and display the read image data that does not satisfy the predetermined criterion among the plurality of pieces of read image data as a result of the first inspection, on the display unit in a state where the defective portion is recognizable, set reception of the correction instruction of the defective portion to be enabled, correct the read image data that does not satisfy the predetermined criterion, and then register the corrected read image data as second reference image data for a second inspection different from the first inspection.
 3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where the second inspection is performed, collate read image data of the image-formed matter set as an inspection target of the second inspection with the registered second reference image data; and determine quality of the collated read image data.
 4. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where the second inspection is performed, exclude the read image data subjected to the first inspection among the plurality of pieces of read image data, from inspection targets.
 5. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where the correction instruction of the defective portion is received from a user, correct a pixel in the defective portion in accordance with the correction instruction.
 6. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where the correction instruction of the defective portion is received from a user, correct a pixel in the defective portion in accordance with the correction instruction.
 7. The inspection device according to claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where the correction instruction of the defective portion is received from a user, correct a pixel in the defective portion in accordance with the correction instruction.
 8. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein, in the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the first reference image data in order from leading read image data, and the first inspection is repeated until a user accepts the defective portion.
 9. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, in the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the first reference image data in order from leading read image data, and the first inspection is repeated until a user accepts the defective portion.
 10. The inspection device according to claim 4, wherein, in the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the first reference image data in order from leading read image data, and the first inspection is repeated until a user accepts the defective portion.
 11. The inspection device according to claim 5, wherein, in the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the first reference image data in order from leading read image data, and the first inspection is repeated until a user accepts the defective portion.
 12. The inspection device according to claim 6, wherein, in the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the first reference image data in order from the leading read image data, and the first inspection is repeated until a user accepts the defective portion.
 13. The inspection device according to claim 7, wherein, in the first inspection, the plurality of pieces of read image data are collated with the first reference image data in order from the leading read image data, and the first inspection is repeated until a user accepts the defective portion.
 14. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to: issue a warning in a case where the number of repetitions of the first inspection is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
 15. The inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to: issue a warning in a case where the number of repetitions of the first inspection is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
 16. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where a predetermined condition is detected during the second inspection, perform the first inspection on at least one piece of the read image data on which the second inspection has not been performed; and update the second reference image data.
 17. The inspection device according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined condition is any of a condition in which the number of times of performing the second inspection is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a condition in which a toner cartridge is replaced, a condition in which a recording medium is clogged, and a condition in which a recording medium is replaced or added.
 18. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to: in a case where read image data satisfying the predetermined criterion is detected before the read image data that does not satisfy the predetermined criterion is detected in the first inspection, register the detected read image data as the second reference image data.
 19. An image forming apparatus comprising: a forming unit that forms original image data on a plurality of recording media; a reading unit that reads a plurality of image-formed matters obtained by formation of the forming unit; and an inspection device including a processor configured to: display at least one of a plurality of pieces of read image data obtained by reading of the reading unit, on a display unit in a state where a defective portion is recognizable, and set reception of a correction instruction of the defective portion to be enabled; and correct read image data that does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, and then register the corrected read image data as reference image data used for inspecting the image-formed matter.
 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing an inspection program causing a computer to execute: displaying at least one of a plurality of pieces of read image data in a state where a defective portion is recognizable, and setting reception of a correction instruction of the defective portion to be enabled, the plurality of pieces of read image data being obtained by reading image-formed matters obtained by forming original image data on a plurality of recording media; and correcting read image data that does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, and then registering the corrected read image data as reference image data used for inspecting the image-formed matter. 